Scripture: Luke 1:68-79 68 “Bless the Lord God of Israel because he has come to help and has delivered his people.69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us in his servant David’s house,70 just as he said through the mouths of his holy prophets long ago.71 He has brought salvation from our enemies and from the power of all... Continue Reading →
Caroling Colossians 3:15-17 15 The peace of Christ must control your hearts—a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people. 16 The word of Christ must live in you richly. Teach and warn each other with all wisdom by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to God with gratitude... Continue Reading →
Flowers Song of Solomon 2:1-5 I’m a rose of the Sharon plain, a lily of the valleys. 2 Like a lily among thornbushes, so is my dearest among the young women. 3 Like an apple tree among the wild trees, so is my lover among the young men. In his shade I take pleasure in... Continue Reading →
Saint Nicholas Matthew 25:31-46 31 “Now when the Human One comes in his majesty and all his angels are with him, he will sit on his majestic throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in front of him. He will separate them from each other, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the... Continue Reading →
Cakes & Cookies Mark 14:22-25 22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 He said to them, “This is my blood of the... Continue Reading →
Advent Wreath Psalm 118:1-4, 14-18 Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever.2 Let Israel say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!”3 Let the house of Aaron say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!”4 Let those who honor the Lord say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” 14 The Lord was my strength and protection; he was... Continue Reading →
Hope Candle Jeremiah 33:14-16 14 The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill my gracious promise with the people of Israel and Judah. 15 In those days and at that time, I will raise up a righteous branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those... Continue Reading →
Tomorrow marks the beginning of the season of Advent, a time of preparation for Christmas and Jesus' coming. Several years ago I wrote an Advent devotional based on various celebrations happening over the course of the next month which have come to be associated with Christmas. I have decided to present that devotional here during... Continue Reading →
Scripture: Jeremiah 33:10-16 10 “This is what the Lord says: ‘You say about this place, “It is a desolate waste, without people or animals.” Yet in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted, inhabited by neither people nor animals, there will be heard once more 11 the sounds of joy and gladness,... Continue Reading →
The most underappreciated element of Advent and Christmas is repentance. John the Baptist preceded Jesus with the message to Israel for "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." And this year more than most I think of the need for repentance in preparing for Jesus' arrival at Christmas. I know this is in... Continue Reading →
Squinting in the Light 